Decemviri

Decemviri

The Decemviri were a group of ten officials in ancient Rome, appointed to carry out specific tasks. The term "decemviri" is derived from the Latin words "decem" meaning "ten" and "viri" meaning "men." The most famous of these groups was the Decemviri Legibus Scribundis, who were responsible for drafting the Law of the Twelve Tables, the foundation of Roman law.

Historical Context

The establishment of the Decemviri occurred during a period of social and political upheaval in the early Roman Republic. The plebeians, who were the common people of Rome, were demanding greater political rights and protections against the abuses of the patrician class, who were the aristocratic families.

Decemviri Legibus Scribundis

In 451 BCE, the Roman Republic appointed the first board of Decemviri Legibus Scribundis to create a written code of laws. This was a significant development, as prior to this, Roman law was largely unwritten and subject to interpretation by the patrician magistrates.

First Decemvirate

The first decemvirate was composed entirely of patricians. They were given extraordinary powers to govern and were tasked with drafting a set of laws that would be binding on both patricians and plebeians. The result of their work was the first ten tables of the Twelve Tables.

Second Decemvirate

In 450 BCE, a second decemvirate was appointed, which included plebeians. This group completed the final two tables, thus completing the Twelve Tables. However, the second decemvirate became infamous for its abuse of power, particularly under the leadership of Appius Claudius Crassus.

The Fall of the Decemviri

The Decemviri's rule ended in scandal and revolt. The story of Verginia, a young woman whose death at the hands of her father to save her from the lust of Appius Claudius, sparked outrage and led to the overthrow of the Decemviri in 449 BCE. The office was abolished, and the traditional republican offices were restored.

Legacy

The Twelve Tables remained the foundation of Roman law for centuries and were considered a significant achievement in the development of a legal system that applied to all citizens. The Decemviri, despite their eventual downfall, played a crucial role in this legal codification.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Twelve Tables
• Appius Claudius Crassus
• Plebeian
• Patrician

References

• Livy, Ab Urbe Condita
• Cicero, De Republica